In a recent interview, the jury foreperson in the defamation case against CNN revealed the jury's intent to award substantial punitive damages before a settlement was reached with Navy veteran Zachary Young. Katy Svitenko told Variety that the jury was prepared to award "up to $100 million" to send a clear message to media outlets about the public's frustration with biased or misleading reporting.
This revelation follows a Florida court's decision last month to award Young $4 million for lost earnings and $1 million for personal damages, after finding CNN guilty of defamation. The case stemmed from a 2021 CNN report that implied Young was profiting illegally from assisting Afghan refugees. Young argued the report tarnished his reputation and harmed his business.
Svitenko also criticized CNN reporter Alex Marquardt's demeanor on the witness stand, describing him as "extremely arrogant." She further condemned internal CNN communications revealed during the trial, where staff members used derogatory language toward Young. Svitenko suggested news organizations should prioritize professionalism and avoid such disparaging remarks.
While the final settlement amount remains undisclosed, it was announced after an expert witness proposed $150 million as a suitable penalty for CNN. Following the settlement, CNN issued a statement acknowledging the outcome and reaffirming its commitment to robust journalism, while indicating a willingness to learn from the experience.
